Right-wing pundits suddenly hate an AI bill. Are they getting paid to kill it? (www.modelrepublic.org)

A recent wave of coordinated criticism against the AI OVERWATCH Act from a group of right-wing influencers has raised suspicions of a potentially funded campaign to sabotage the legislation. The bill, aimed at reviewing advanced AI chip exports to adversarial nations like China, had previously received little attention since its introduction in December 2025. However, starting on January 15, posts from notable conservatives—including Laura Loomer and Brad Parscale—emerged, sharing strikingly similar messaging and errors, suggesting a collective effort reminiscent of past influence campaigns where influencers were reportedly paid to disseminate unified narratives. The significance of this campaign lies in the potential implications for U.S. competitiveness in AI technology, particularly concerning Nvidia's ability to sell its advanced chips to China. With billions at stake, the AI OVERWATCH Act is intended to function similarly to arms control, augmenting congressional oversight on critical AI technologies. The dismissive framing of the bill as "pro-China sabotage" aims to undermine bipartisan support by framing it as a power grab that compromises national security. If the coordinated effort is confirmed to be financially motivated, it would highlight ongoing vulnerabilities within the political discourse surrounding AI and its regulation, influencing how technological advancements are approached in legislative contexts.